Dr. Alan Ludowyke, Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), has issued a directive to the Galadari Hotel to immediately cease any ‘Happy Hour’ promotions offering discounts on alcohol purchases.
In his letter dated May 28, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of Galadari Hotel, Dr. Ludowyke emphasized that such promotions violate Section 37(2) of the NATA Act No.27 of 2006. The letter further explained that the NATA Board of Directors had decided to instruct all hotels to stop offering any discounts on alcohol purchases.
Dr. Ludowyke also highlighted that violating this law could result in a Rs50,000 fine, with each director of the establishment being held accountable for the offense.
Previously, in an effort to boost tourism, the now-ousted State Minister of Tourism, Diana Gamage (also known as Diana Samanmalee), aggressively promoted cannabis, nightlife tourism, and the legalization of prostitution in the country. However, a subsequent court ruling stripped her of her Member of Parliament position, as she was proven to be a foreigner and no longer a citizen of the country.
With the enforcement of this ruling by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, the already struggling tourism sector is likely to face significant challenges.
